The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to enhance the visitor experience at Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan and Zoo, popularly known as Rani Baug, by introducing electric double-decker buses for children. This initiative aims to provide an exciting way for children to view animals while enjoying a leisurely ride.
The move follows BMC’s decision to operate four battery-run cars within the zoo premises to cater to children, the elderly, and the disabled.
City Guardian Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that he has instructed the BMC to implement the double-decker bus service for young visitors to the zoo. These double-decker buses, resembling those commonly seen in shopping malls, are expected to be in operation within the next six months, alongside the four battery-operated eight-seater cars. Both types of vehicles will follow designated pathways, facilitating convenient travel from one exhibit to another.
Dr. Sanjay Tripathi, the zoo’s director, shared, “Our plan is currently in its early stages, with the first phase involving battery-operated vehicles and the second phase featuring electric buses. We have submitted our proposal to the revenue department, and we anticipate the electric buses will be operational within the next six months.”
The cost of the four battery-operated eight-wheeler vehicles is estimated at Rs 45 lakh, and they are scheduled to be introduced in the next two months. Although these vehicles will be available to all visitors, priority will be given to children, the elderly, and the disabled. As they run on batteries, they will not contribute to carbon emissions within the garden.
While tenders for the electric buses are yet to be floated, the associated costs remain undetermined. The electric double-decker buses and the eight-seater vehicles will offer a similar pattern of service, where children can disembark to explore exhibits and surroundings before returning to the vehicles for the next leg of their adventure.
